Optical component based temperature measurement in analyte detection devices

A method for determining the concentration of a blood analyte in a blood sample, said method comprising:

• contacting said blood sample with a first surface of a matrix impregnated with a signal producing system that produces a colored product on a second surface opposite said first surface in an amount proportional to the amount of analyte in said blood sample;
• illuminating said second surface of said matrix with at least one light emitting diode;
• collecting light reflected from said second surface with a photodetector following a predetermined incubation period to obtain a reflectance measurement;
• obtaining at least one ambient temperature value proximal said matrix using said photodetector during said incubation period;
• and
• determining said analyte concentration in said blood sample from said reflectance measurement using an algorithm that employs said ambient temperature value.

An apparatus for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample, said apparatus comprising:

• a chamber for removably accepting a reagent test strip that includes a porous matrix pad which (i) has a first surface for accepting the sample and a reflective second surface opposite to the first surface, (ii) allows the sample to travel through the pad from the first surface toward the second surface, and (iii) is impregnated with one or more reagents of a signal producing system that reacts with said analyte to cause a change in the reflectance of the second surface;
• illumination means for illuminating the second surface of the pad;
• light detection means for monitoring intensity of light reflected from the second surface of the pad;
• ambient temperature means for obtaining an ambient temperature value proximal said porous matrix pad, wherein said ambient temperature means is said light detection means;
• and
• means for calculating the analyte concentration from the intensity of reflected light, wherein said means comprises an algorithm that employs said ambient temperature value, wherein said algorithm is recorded on a computer readable medium component of said apparatus.